What goes on a bank deposit slip and why
A bank deposit slip (also called a deposit ticket) is a form you fill out when you put money into your account. It tells the bank how much cash and how many checks you're depositing, and which account the money should go into. The slip stays with your deposit so the bank has a record of what you handed over.
Most banks still use deposit slips for cash and check deposits, even though mobile check deposit and ATM deposits are now common. If you're depositing at a teller window or an ATM that requires one, you need to fill it out correctly so the bank processes your money without delay.
The slip has spaces for your account number, the date, the amount of cash, the total of all checks, and a grand total. Some banks print your account number on the slip already; others leave it blank. Either way, you fill in the same information in the same order.
Key Takeaways
- Write your account number at the top of the slip, even if it's pre-printed, so the bank knows which account receives the deposit.
- List each check separately with its amount, or write the total number of checks and their combined amount if your bank allows it.
- Add cash and check totals together on the line marked "Total" or "Net Deposit" so the bank knows how much money you're handing over.
- Sign the slip if your bank requires it, and keep your copy for your records in case there's a dispute later.
- If you're depositing at an ATM, the machine may print a receipt instead of returning a slip, which serves the same purpose.
Step-by-step: filling in each line
Start at the top. Write today's date in the space marked "Date"—use the format your bank shows on the slip, usually MM/DD/YYYY. If the slip is pre-printed with your name and account number, check that both are correct. If they're blank, write your full account number clearly in the space marked "Account Number" or "Acct #".
Next, count your cash. Write the total amount of bills and coins in the line marked "Cash" or "Currency". For example, if you're depositing three $20 bills and a $5 bill, write 65.00. Do not list each bill separately—just the total.
Then list your checks. Write the amount of each check on a separate line, usually in a column on the left side of the slip. Some slips have numbered rows (Check 1, Check 2, etc.); others just have blank lines. Write the check amount on the right side of each line. If you have more checks than lines, write "See reverse" or "See back" and continue on the back of the slip.
Add up all the check amounts. Write that total on the line marked "Checks" or "Total Checks". Then add the cash total and the checks total together. Write that sum on the line marked "Total" or "Net Deposit"—this is the amount the bank will credit to your account.
When to sign the slip and what happens next
Some banks require you to sign the deposit slip; others do not. Check the back of the slip or ask your teller. If there's a line marked "Signature" or "Authorized by", sign it. If there's no line, you don't need to sign.
Most deposit slips are printed in two or three parts. The top copy goes to the bank, the middle copy is your receipt, and the bottom copy (if there is one) stays in the book. Take your receipt and keep it until the deposit shows up in your account, usually within one business day for cash and checks deposited before the bank's cutoff time (often 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. on weekdays).
If you're using an ATM, the machine will either print a receipt or display a confirmation number on the screen. Write down that number or keep the receipt. ATM deposits may take longer to process—sometimes up to two business days—because the bank has to verify the contents later.
Common mistakes that slow down your deposit
The most common error is writing the wrong account number or leaving it blank. The bank will not know where to put your money, and the deposit may be held while staff track down your account. Always double-check your account number before you hand over the slip.
Another mistake is writing checks and cash amounts in the wrong places. If you write a check amount on the cash line, or vice versa, the bank's total will be wrong and they may reject the deposit or process it incorrectly. Look at the slip layout before you start writing.
Illegible handwriting causes delays too. Write clearly in pen (not pencil), and make sure numbers are easy to read. A "1" that looks like a "7" or a "0" that looks like an "8" can throw off the total and trigger a manual review.
Do not cross out or use correction fluid on the slip. If you make a mistake, ask the bank for a new slip and start over. A messy or altered slip raises questions about whether the amounts are accurate.
What to do if you don't have a physical slip
Many banks now offer mobile check deposit through their app. You photograph the front and back of each check, enter the amount, and submit it. No slip needed—the app creates a digital record. The check clears the same way as a paper deposit, usually within one business day.
Some ATMs accept deposits without a slip. You insert cash or checks into the machine, it counts them, and displays a total on the screen. You confirm the amount, and the machine prints a receipt. This method is faster than filling out a slip by hand.
If your bank has stopped printing deposit slips, ask a teller for one or download a blank slip from your bank's website. You can print it at home and fill it out before you go to the bank. Some banks also let you fill out a deposit slip online and bring just the cash or checks to the teller.
Deposits that need extra attention
If you're depositing a large amount of cash—usually $10,000 or more in a single deposit—the bank is required by federal law to file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR). This is automatic and does not mean anything is wrong. Fill out your deposit slip as usual; the bank handles the reporting. You do not need to do anything extra.
If you're depositing a check that is not in your name, or a check made out to multiple people, the bank may ask for additional information. Some banks will not accept these checks without a signature from the person whose name is on the check. Ask the teller before you fill out the slip.
Third-party checks (checks made out to someone else and signed over to you) are increasingly difficult to deposit. Many banks no longer accept them at all. If you have one, call your bank first to ask whether they will take it and what documentation you need.
Keeping records and tracking your deposit
Keep your receipt or ATM confirmation until the deposit appears in your account online or on your statement. This usually takes one business day for teller deposits and up to two business days for ATM deposits. If the money does not show up by then, contact your bank with your receipt number or confirmation code.
Write down the date and total amount of your deposit in your checkbook or banking app so you know what to expect. If the bank credits a different amount than what you deposited, you have a record to show them.
If a check bounces or is returned unpaid, the bank will reverse the credit to your account. This can happen days or even weeks after you deposit the check. Do not spend money based on a check deposit until you are sure it has cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use a deposit slip if I'm depositing at a teller?
Most banks require a deposit slip when you hand cash or checks to a teller. Some tellers will fill one out for you if you ask, but it's faster if you do it yourself. ATMs and mobile apps usually do not require a physical slip.
What if I write the wrong amount on the slip?
Ask the bank for a new slip and start over. Do not cross out or use white-out. If you've already handed in the slip, tell the teller immediately and they can correct it or issue a new one before processing.
Can I deposit checks without listing them individually?
Some banks let you write just the total number of checks and their combined amount instead of listing each one. Check your slip or ask your teller. If the slip has individual lines for each check, use them.
What happens if I forget to sign the slip?
If your bank requires a signature and you forget, the teller will ask you to sign before processing the deposit. If you're using an ATM or mobile app, no signature is needed.
How long does a deposit take to show up in my account?
Cash deposits usually appear within hours if you deposit before the bank's cutoff time. Checks typically take one business day, though some banks hold checks for two business days. ATM deposits may take longer because the bank verifies the contents after hours.